Since 1974, the fast, flat streets of Christchurch have been home to one of the world's fastest marathon courses. The SBS Marathon - Christchurch was inspired by the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games marathon, and today runners and walkers from all over the world can experience that historic route.

Every year on Queen's Birthday Sunday more than 4000 entrants stop the South Island’s largest city in its tracks. The scenic and super-fast tour of the Avon River and Hagley Park has official road closures, and competitors are supported by more than 300 volunteers and thousands of Christchurch city residents cheering from their front gates.

Based in downtown Christchurch, with the start/finish line amidst the café, casino, shopping and accommodation districts, the SBS Marathon Event has become a popular mid-winter getaway for runners and walkers all over New Zealand. With a full marathon, a half marathon for runners and walkers, a 10km fun run and a Kids Mara’fun, this festival of fitness has something for everyone. A $40,000 prize pool makes it New Zealand’s richest running event, but with more than $15,000 in spot prizes and a huge range of categories, this event caters for runners and walkers of all age, ability and aspirations.